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The Equalizer - Series 1 - Complete [1985]
![The Equalizer - Series 1 - Complete [1985]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41vNB2-t2yL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £34.99
Our Price: £24.99 (subject to change)
The Odds Are Not Against This Series
Review date: 2008-06-22 Rating: 8 out of 10
Edward Woodward stars as Robert McCall, a retired Secret Agent who's decided to dedicate his life to helping those less fortunate than him by helping them fight injustices. Some of his tasks include fighting bad landlords, dodgy street gangs who want to terrorise a doctor, a gang of thugs that want to ruin his weekend away and even sometimes people who are meant to be on his side.
I really enjoyed re-watching The Equalizer and remembered why I wanted to see it again, McCall's charm, his dedication to getting to the bottom of things, and just simply because of his character, without Edward Woodward I don't think this would have been as great - he's got such flair and character it bursts out into the show.
McCall is described as a loner, but really he's far from that, he's got all his friends from the service and in the police too, and he always seems to find time to talk to people. He's got this great way of being calm, though you know he's rather annoyed with something. His dark side can be shocking, but I think that he needed that as an agent.
I like the way he has different tasks, but sometimes they do feel rather similar, but the stories are that good it really doesn't matter. The cameos from the likes of Jerry Stiller (Ben Stiller's father), and even the legendary Meat Loaf shows up, as a gun dealer.
The DVDs are good, but the lack of audio remastering really is quite a let down, I funny understand the fact they can not be made stereo, but it could have been remastered in some way. Also the fact some die hards say the music has been replaced, well it really doesn't make a huge difference to me, it's about the stories, the action and the backdrops, I know music plays a great role in this, but I think Michael Slone has done a pretty good job.
Very good box set, well worth getting, they've kept me hooked for weeks now.
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Reviews
Brilliant drama and action
Review date: 2008-06-16 Rating: 10 out of 10
The Equalizer is another one of those 80s TV shows that I grew up with. Who could imagine that a storyline based on a greying ex-spy, battling an endless supply of New York city criminals, would make such fantastic viewing? Well, from watching the first series of the Equalizer after some 17 years, all I can say is that this is superb television. It has brilliant acting from Edward Woodward, strong storylines and a theme by Stewart Copeland that really catches the period. Back then I watched it for the action and suspense, of which there is plenty. Now I can also see the complexity of Woodward's character, Robert McCall. This probably comes out more in later series.
Virtually every episode has famous co-stars or actors/actresses that went on to become quite successful. Look out for Adam Ant, Meat Loaf, Will Patton, Robert Davi, Brad Dourif, Burt Young and many more. As mentioned by other reviewers, the show also gives us a close look at a decaying 1980s New York, a far cry from what it is today. On top of that you've got a British guy kicking American behinds, which gives UK viewers like myself a real sense of pleasure.
While the picture quality isn't as you would expect for DVD, it is at least as good as a VHS recording. This may upset some but it is very much watchable and takes nothing away from the high quality of the show.
Better than the US version
Review date: 2008-05-19 Rating: 10 out of 10
I haven't yet picked up a copy of this wonderful first season, although I will be doing so shortly. However, in answer to a previous post it seems that the UK version does feature all of the original music from all that I have read. I hope that helps.
I would also like to say that this has to be one of the greatest TV drama shows ever made, and Edward Woodward's portrayal of Robert McCall is one of the most riverting in TV history. Highly recommended.
IS THIS WORTH THE WAIT?
Review date: 2008-05-13 Rating: 10 out of 10
The reason for my title review is this: Upon its recent DVD release in the USA, many fans complained about the replacement of the 80s music, with a more generic 90s soundtrack, that sounds like something from a bargain basement! This was the same problem when Quantum Leap was released in the UK. So, my first question to anyone who's already viewed the episodes, or has the original VHS episodes, is: Does the music sound like it's from the 80s and are any well known songs from that decade still intact within this release? The royalty laws regarding music licensing are different here, but I am stil hesitant about purchasing a copy.
For the record though, the 1st season of The Equalizer rates as a 10 for me. Apart from Edward Woodward and his famous Jag, the other main character of the series was good old NYC. They really exploited all the not-so-glamomrous areas of the city and of course, the action was always coupled with great stories and acting. Woodward took to the role like bread & butter and being a teenager at the time (really showing my age!)I thought it was cool to see a middle aged man handle the bad guys in a very convincing manner. For example, in the episode Confirmation Day, Burt Young is being harrassed by 2 heavies and McCall walks to his aid, throwing one of them down the stairs! All of this preempted by McCall's calm & collective speech!
It's also worth pointing out that it was refreshing to see a well-spoken English gent kicking ass on US TV. As far as I can tell, this has not been repeated since, which qualifies this show as an instant classic.
For my money, if it's true that a film version is in the offing, then Victor Garber is the man to equalize the odds!
Waited a long time for this - Thank You
Review date: 2008-04-22 Rating: 10 out of 10
Amazing. Finally I have the first series of the Equalizer on DVD. Great quality. Finally I can get rid of those old VHS recordings from the TV and watch this amazing TV series in pristine DVD quality.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Edward Woodward
Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582480757
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 6
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-04-21
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 1012 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1985
Language: English (Original Language)